Function of lower lung lobe autograft in experimental animals.

The changes in ventilation, gas exchange, blood gases, and acid-base balance, as well as the compensatory capacity of the autotransplanted lung lobe, were studied in 30 dogs with an uncomplicated course following autotransplantation of the lower lobe of the left lung. The studies demonstrated that in the early postoperative period some deterioration in ventilation and gas exchange is noted in the autografted lobe which results in the development of arterial hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis. A normalization of the ventilation and gas exchange is observed in the beginning of the late postoperative period (3 months after surgery). As judged by the functional test with the exclusion of the right (intact) lung from respiration, the compensatory capacity of the autografter left lower lobe remained reduced for a long time after surgery. The author noted no restoration of the Hering-Breuer reflex on the side of the autografted lung lobe, the maximum follow-up period being 7 1/2 years.